Arizona Backyard Chicken Law & HOA Restrictions

Raising backyard chickens is becoming increasingly popular in Arizona, offering fresh eggs, natural pest control, and a bit of rural charm in suburban yards. But “Is it legal?” and “What about my HOA?” are the two big questions. Let’s dive into how state law, local ordinances, and homeowner association rules all intersect—and how you can navigate them.

1. Arizona State Law: Your Right to Keep a Modest Flock

In May 2024, Governor Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2325 into law. This bill prevents cities and towns from banning backyard chickens outright in single-family home zones. In other words, you now have the legal right to keep chickens at your home—unless your city has reasonable regulations concerning coop placement, upkeep, or number limits.

Typical statewide baseline requirements include:

  • Allowed up to six chickens in most single-family residential areas.
  • Coop must be on your property and meet setbacks or size rules set by your city.
  • Roosters are generally prohibited due to noise concerns.
  • City governments can regulate—but not eliminate—backyard flocks.

Example: Goodyear now allows six hens, strictly prohibits roosters, requires coops in rear or side yards set back at least 20 feet, with a max size of 200 sq ft and no more than 8 feet tall—and mandates cleaning at least twice weekly plus proper feed and manure management.

2. City-Level Rules: Know Your Local Code

Though state law protects your general right to keep chickens, details vary city by city. Some highlights:

    • Tucson: Up to 24 chickens allowed if coop is at least 50 feet from another person’s dwelling. That’s far more generous than the statewide baseline.
      (Note: this is a localized exception, so check whether this applies in your area.)
    • El Mirage: Up to six hens are allowed in an enclosed coop located in the rear or side yard, and roosters or other male fowl are banned.
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Make sure to check your city’s codes for:

  • Maximum chickens allowed
  • Rooster restrictions
  • Coop size limits and height
  • Required setbacks from property lines or neighbor’s houses
  • Sanitation or feed storage rules
  • Permit requirements for certain structures

3. HOA Rules: Your HOA Still Has the Final Say—Usually

Even where state law permits chickens, having an HOA in your neighborhood can override that. HOAs operate under **Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs)**, and they often expressly prohibit livestock, including chickens or “backyard farms.”

Unlike a city’s zoning rules, HOA covenants are legally binding promises you agreed to when buying your home. These private agreements are typically stronger than state law when it comes to your own property—unless there’s a legal exception.

  • Many HOA documents still ban chickens entirely—even where cities allow them.
  • Some HOAs may permit chickens if you obtain a variance or modify the coop’s design, but approvals are rare.
  • The HOA board often considers noise, smells, and aesthetics when denying such requests.

In the real world, as one Arizona homeowner commented in a discussion forum:

“HOA can make and enforce any rules they want. No dice on the chickens.”
That captures the reality—your HOA often trumps your rights under state or city law.

(Another blunt summary: “You’re hosed.”)

4. What to Do If Your HOA Bans Chickens

Don’t despair—there are steps you can take:

  1. Read your CC&Rs carefully. Some HOAs may have outdated language or ambiguity about “livestock.” Find that clause stating “no chickens”—that’s your head start.
  2. Request a variance or an amendment. If you can show responsible care, a tidy & well-designed coop, and neighbor support, your HOA might grant an exception.
  3. Gather community support. If enough neighbors favor a change, the board may be more receptive.
  4. Run for a board seat. Over time, you can help shape future policy.
  5. As a last resort, move. If backyard farming is a firm goal, look for properties not in restrictive HOAs or in older neighborhoods without them.
See also  Can You Keep Chickens in Your Back Garden?

5. Summary Table: State Law vs. City vs. HOA

Authority What’s Allowed? Chicken Rule Control?
State Law (HB 2325) Yes—statewide right to keep chickens (usually up to six hens) Can prevent outright bans but not detailed rules
City/County Ordinances Varies widely (Tucson: up to 24; Goodyear: six with coop specs) Can regulate placement, size, upkeep, number
HOA CC&Rs Often bans chickens entirely Usually enforceable despite state/city laws

6. Final Takeaways

If you’re in Arizona and dreaming of backyard chickens:

  • State law has paved the way—but local rules still matter.
  • Your city may offer more or fewer freedoms than the baseline.
  • HOA rules often block the dream—but you can try to push back.
  • If you can’t win your HOA, move to a place without one.

Want help navigating your city’s ordinances or crafting a variance request for your HOA? Let me know—I’d be glad to help you step by step.

 

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